We styled three Maggie Sottero wedding dresses (& the results are a tropical, technicolor dream!)

Sultry and sophisticated. Relaxed and refined. Nouveau and nostalgic. Maggie Sottero’s designer wedding dresses are everything magic with a classic meets modern balance. Brides don’t have to compromise style and fit when searching for their elopement wedding dresses.

Maggie Sottero offers lightweight, effortlessly-chic wedding gowns that are comfortable, beautiful and pack easy. For this high-vibe, technicolor elopement shoot, we got to take three of Maggie’s romantic wedding dresses on a tropical “staycation” in Austin, Texas.

What a dream to play with three of these delightful designs: modern & regal Olyssia, embellished & luxe Whitney, relaxed & playful Charlene. We were so excited to show off how Maggie’s stunning gowns – while often styled in an ethereal rustic fashion – can absolutely take on any individual bride’s personality. For this, we flew our favorite three gowns to Austin to celebrate the funky, colorful, local artist bride vibe and the results are wildly fun.

Vibrantly shot by the talented Caitlin Rose and worn by the most enchanting Cass of High Sun Low Moon (a transcendent apothecary), each dress brought out a whole new kind of bride and enamored our styling crew. Cass’s glamour was matched with our super-chill and charming groom model, Brandon Mike (a local concrete artist & designer).

Olyssa – The Ceremony Dress

Laguna Gloria, draped in jungle palms and surrounded by Lake Austin, matched the regal serenity of the Olyssia gown, making this venue the destined choice for the pair’s exchange of vows.

Displayed against the texture of tropical trees, the smooth white of this gown and its tailored fit features the female physique with perfection. While serene and simple, Maggie’s design is complete with alluring subtleties. Its scoop back dips into a delicate row of buttons that draw the eye down its romantic train. Modern lace adds a flirty touch to the elegant sleeves.

Styled with the handmade Untamed Petals Desert tiara, the Olyssia is fit for the chillest of queens. The Olyssia looked electric paired with bold fuchsia heels and our kaleidoscopic bouquet (styled be me, Hannah Roberts!)

After funny moments under the palms, Cass and Brandon explored the colorful grounds of Laguna Gloria and stopped for photos under artist Liam Gillick’s rainbow pergola. The two snapped shots with a stylish hand-lettered “Just Married” sign by Adriane Sam, ideal for a printed postcard to send to family and friends.

Whitney – The Cocktail Gown

After Laguna Gloria, we took a trip to the Otro Lado or “Other Side” at Kinda Tropical – where one can choose their own path, discover good fortune, and call their mom to let her know you just eloped. “Hi Mom! We did it! Love you!”

Our bride transformed into a real-life desert mermaid when she put on Whitney. With its sweetheart neckline and fit-and-flare skirt, this voluptuous vintage-inspired wedding dress accentuates a flirtier form, balanced by a romantic illusion train that says, “Let’s run away and get married!” And what better urban oasis than Kinda Tropical to pretend, with its brilliant design by LAND.

Donning Leo hand-beaded earrings and va-va-voom hair & makeup by Brianna James of Garbo A Salon & Spa, Cass in the Whitney evokes 1960s Palm Springs meets Austin Hippie.

Last stop: Last Straw. Maggie Sottero’s mermaid wedding dress Whitney delivered fresh sophistication, with its stunning lace overlay motif accentuated against the splashy gradients of what some call a bar (but I call a prismatic wonderland!). This spot is the creative concept and work of artists Will Bryant and Cody Hamilton and was the center of the aesthetic inspiration for this shoot. Its bold colorscapes are reminiscent of sunsets, and their tagline is “serving vacation by the hour.” Dreamy.

Charlene – The Party Gown

And then there’s the Charlene. (Swooooon.) This luscious beaded bodice sparkles with Swarovksi crystals, with sheer side panels that add a little ‘wink’ and a classy edge. As the champagne gown moved across the space, the princess seam slit enticed while otherworldly light beams floated through the dreamy layers of tulle.

Paradisaical music played while Cass and Brandon shared tropical cocktails and danced through the psychedelic atmosphere. The shimmering crystals of the Charlene were paired with the captivating Rue earrings, elevating any bride to higher goddess status.

It’s not a party without cake! Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop matched the undeniable decadence of the Charlene with a glittery cream cake topped with the cutest tiny pineapples (yes, they’re real!) A sweet celebration for this grande finale gown.

Essential Info

Explore this vivid and versatile collection on Maggie Sottero’s website, and try on your dream gown at a local bridal shop near you.

A Maggie Sottero Designs gown is inspired by each bride’s grace and personality. Maggie believes there is nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day, and to this end, we design.

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This post was made in partnership with Maggie Sottero Designs.